We analyze the Wiko UPulse, a mobile with a good camera and a somewhat high price

Wiko was born in Marseille (France) in 2011. Throughout all these years has spread to about 30 countries and only last year it managed to sell 10 million terminals.

The company has different terminals in its catalog and we can find very varied alternatives that mainly refer to the entry or medium range. Within the latter we find our protagonist: Wiko UPulse with whom we have spent the last weeks trying to get to know him more closely and bring you first-hand our impressions. Before we start we must tell you that in this Wiko UPulse there are light and shadow. And we anticipate that the feature that stands out the most in it is its camera. But to continue giving you more details

Design and display

The Wiko uPulse moves between two ranges: low and medium. And the first thing that will catch your attention is its form factor and that the French company has decided to bet on a metallic chassis instead of hard plastic or polycarbonate. Also, its screen reaches the 5,5 inches diagonally, although achieving only HD resolution (1.280 x 720 pixels). According to the company, this panel offers a brightness of 500 nits, although outdoors we have noticed that we will have to bet on a somewhat high level to be able to distinguish well the content that is displayed. Now, it is also true that with this screen size the user will have to scroll less and will be able to read more comfortably as well as enjoy videos decently.

The back cover has a peculiarity and it is that it can be removed. The reason is simple: Wiko has not opted for the SIM and memory card expansion slots on the sides of the chassis and has wanted to place them next to the battery. On the other hand, the latter is not removable, a data that we have scored as negative. For the rest, it is a comfortable mobile to carry in your hands. And thanks to the materials used, it feels resistant.

Power and memory

The Wiko UPulse carries inside a 4-core processor signed by MediaTek. The exact model is the MTK6737 which has a working frequency of 1,3 GHz.

To this chip we must add a 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal space to save everything that comes to mind. With these figures we can assure you that the daily tasks will be carried out without any problem and with enough fluency. What's more, having different applications open running in the background will not make the French smartphone mess up either.

Now, we have tested some games and the truth is that the equipment is not designed for this purpose. That is to say, it will be in this sense where we most acknowledge the processor that it has inside. But we repeat that outside of this aspect, the Wiko UPulse works quite well and fluidly.

As we indicated previously, by lifting the back cover you will be able to insert memory cards in MicroSD that reach a maximum space of 128 GB.

Wiko UPulse camera: perhaps the best of the set

We will start with the worst part of this camera that accompanies the terminal. And it is in the video recording part: you can only achieve a maximum resolution of 720p (HD). This is perhaps a handicap when deciding. And it is that the French company could have thought of raising this resolution one step further and getting even closer to a mid-range. However, where this stands out 13 megapixel resolution photo camera is capturing images in photographs. It is true that the camera will perform better in well lit spaces than in low light conditions. But in this last sense it behaves far above direct competition; There are entry-level terminals in which the noise in night photos is so high that all the details are left out.

Likewise, the Wiko UPulse's camera has a "Super Pixel" mode that gets snapshots of 52 megapixel resolution and in which a high degree of detail is achieved if we zoom on them. Likewise, the photography application of this Wiko terminal allows you to apply different filters for a more artistic finish.

On the front we will also have a camera (8 megapixels resolution) and that will allow us to make video calls or take each other.

Operating system and connections

We are facing a device with dual SIM slot, so you can carry two phone numbers on this equipment. We must also tell you that Wiko has a detail with its consumers and that is that it offers SIM adapters so that once the equipment reaches your hands you can use it from the first moment. Likewise, and as is the case with most smartphones on the market, the Wiko UPulse is based on Android, more specifically on Android 7.0 Nougat. And although it is not the latest version on the market, it is to be appreciated that two versions have not been left behind as in many alternatives.

Wiko uses a custom user interface - WikoUI has been christened. Its operation is correct, but nothing like pure Android for a fluid experience in this regard. Now, we must also tell you that It is not one of the worst customizations.

Regarding connections, this terminal is compatible with LTE (4G); It has WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and a 3,5mm audio jack. You will also have FM radio tuner. Yes, exactly, you will be able to tune in to radio stations without resorting to your data rate.

Finally, tell you that on the back of the Wiko UPulse we will have a fingerprint reader. This will help us to unlock the terminal as well as to launch applications; placing your finger on it when the device is idle will make the terminal unlock and launch the app.

Autonomy

The battery that accompanies the Wiko UPulse has a 3.000 milliamp capacity. According to company data, it will offer us a full day's autonomy without problems. In our tests we have achieved between 5 and 6 hours of screen. Although, be careful, as always, the figures will depend on the use that each user makes of their unit.

Price and editor's opinion

The Wiko UPulse is a mobile focused on users of all kinds. Now, the manufacturer indicates that its target audience is the youngest. Is a smartphone able to function with ease in all daily tasks: web browsing, social networks, editing office documents on the move or email management. However, as soon as he is asked for a little more power to play video games from Google Play, it is where he limps the most.

It has a good construction and his camera surprises for the league in which he plays. However,its price of almost 180 euros can put us in doubt; it is very possible that you will find equipment for a similar price. And above all, that it offers better performance in more powerful aspects such as leisure.

Pros and Cons of the Wiko UPulse